UP building second track in southeast Missouri

Union Pacific (UP) plans to strengthen Missouri's transportation infrastructure by investing $21 million to construct a more-than-nine-mile second mainline track in the Bell City area, in southeast Missouri.

The project, funded entirely by UP, began earlier this month and is scheduled to be completed by the end of October.

The project, which extends about four miles to the north and south of Bell City, is one that will support long-range projected rail traffic growth, improve train operating efficiency, increase capacity on the rail line and enhance safety.

"Union Pacific helps link businesses with consumers, suppliers and markets across the nation and around the world," said Joe Bateman, Union Pacific vice president of public affairs, Northern Region. "In addition to helping move customers' goods more safely and efficiently, our investments support communities by reducing traffic congestion, facilitating industrial development and promoting economic expansion."